Amino Acids
Learn What They Do For You
Your body needs amino acids.
They're the “building blocks” of protein. To understand why you need them, first you need to understand why proteins are essential to life.
Proteins form a necessary part of every living cell in your body...
- muscles
- ligaments
- tendons
- organs
- glands
- nails
- hair
- body fluids
- bones
Proteins regulate all bodily functions. In fact, the genetic “code” in cell DNA contains information on how to make that cell’s proteins.
Are All Proteins Alike?
No. A specific group of amino acids in a specific chemical arrangement form each type of protein. Each protein is unique
The proteins that make up your body don't come directly from food.
Your body breaks down dietary protein into its constituent amino acids, which it then uses to build the proteins it requires.
So amino acids, not proteins, are the essential nutrients.
Types:
Essential
histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine
Nonessential
alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, citrulline, cysteine, cystine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glutathione, glycine, ornithine, proline, serine, taurine, tyrosine
Essential amino acids enter the body through what you eat. And your body manufactures nonessential ones from those you obtain through diet.
A lack of amino acids means a lack of vital proteins; this causes problems ranging from indigestion to depression to stunted growth.
| Common Amino Acids |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid - free radical destroyer. |
| Glutathione - maintains healthy cells like no other antioxidant. |
| Methionine - helps your body produce and use other amino acids. |
| Proline - necessary for keeping skin vibrant as you age. |
| Tyrosine - natural alternative to antidepressants. |
Should You Take Amino Acid Supplements?
Failing to supply your body with adequate amounts of essential amino acids---sooner or later---leads to compromised health.
Taking amino acid supplements can help. Supplements will ensure that you maintain healthy levels of amino acids. This will also enable vitamins and minerals to perform their jobs properly.
Look for a product that contains USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) pharmaceutical grade L-crystalline amino acids.
Scientists consider L-forms to be more compatible with human biochemistry; basically, your body absorbs these types more easily.
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